Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2378

LOCATION

رسم العوايد, Rasim Awaed, Hama, Syria

On July 31, 2017, three civilians were reportedly killed, and others were wounded, in alleged Russian and or Syrian regime raids in Rasim Awaed, near Akirbat town in Hama, according to local media.  Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Baladi News blamed the Syrian regime, while all others attributed blame to Russia.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

RS2376

LOCATION

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman was killed from injuries sustained in the morning of July 31st, following an airstrike on Dablan. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. None explicitly blamed Russian warplanes, however there was Russian bombing in and around the vicinity at the time of the strike. Other sources blamed “military aircraft” or “unknown”

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
5 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2373

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A shepherd was killed during the bombing on the outskirts of a “camp” – most likely for internally displaced people – in Al-Khamesiya. Sources all attributed blame to Russia for the strikes. A source states that “the house of Fawaz al-Hamdan was bombed, and the house of Mohammed al-Ghafili, and Beit Hamoud al-Dashar… [as well

Summary

First published
July 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1297

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

On July 29, 2017, several civilians were reportedly wounded in an airstrike on the main road to Al-Mayadin garage, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible for the incident. Radio AlKul reported that “several civilians were injured by flying cluster bombs near the garage in Al Mayadin”.

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
June 26, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1296

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Six civilians died and 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, according to local sources. While the majority of reports blamed the US-led Coalition for the airstrikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia were responsible. The Coalition later confirmed having unintentionally killed three

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(3 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1291

LOCATION

ميادين, Mayadin, Al Masaken, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, according to local media – though it is unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The International Alliance launched several air raids around 7am targeting the Al Masaken area near the mosque of Othman bin

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

RS2372

LOCATION

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were killed and an unspecified number were wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes on Mrat town in Deir Ezzor countryside, local media reported. Only two sources attributed their blame to Russia, while others did not attribute blame. One named “military aircraft”. The strikes “targeted the house of Denous al-Besha’an” causing three civilian deaths, according

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1282

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 48 civilians died and 40 were injured in alleged air and artillery strikes by the Coalition and the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media. However, sources did not specify the locations for these deaths and these are therefore general numbers. Additionally, one source Watan reported that there had been Russian actions in

Summary

First published
July 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
48
Civilians reported injured
40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2371

LOCATION

أوتايا, Otaya, Damascus, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed, and as many as five were injured, including four women and an adult male, following an alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strike on Otaya, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed the Syrian regime for the raids, while

Summary

First published
July 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1277

LOCATION

بلدة الطيبة, Al Tayba, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 15 civilians including nine people from the same family died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes near Taybah in Mayadin, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia were to blame. The Step News Agency, Smart News Agency and Zamanalwasl were among sources pointing

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 15
(4–5 children2–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1276

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 36
Civilians reported injured
50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1273

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that 18 civilians had died and up to 50 had been wounded in the last 48 hours – however, sources were conflicted as to whether the deaths were caused by the US-led Coalition or Russia. It should also be noted that these are general numbers and Airwars has not yet been able

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2367 CS1268a

LOCATION

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria

A mother and child were killed in an airstrike on the neighbourhood of Al-Khamesiya. Although sources explain it was a mother and child, the mother was 17 years old, so Airwars have classified her as a child.  Most sources blamed Russian aircraft for this event, however, the wording of a Baladi report suggested that the

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2369

LOCATION

البوحمد, Bouhamad, Raqqa, Syria

Seven civilians were killed, and 15 others were wounded, following an airstrike on Bouhamad, which was described by local media as a “massacre”. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with most attributing the blame to Russian warplanes, however Baladi News attributed blame to the Syrian regime.  Seven civilians were named as killed.

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2368

LOCATION

السبخة, Sabkha, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 30 civilians died in an airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Sabkha in the eastern Raqqa countryside, according to sources on the ground. The majority of reports blamed Russia for this event. According to the Step News Agency, “15 civilians were killed in air strikes targeting a displaced people’s camp near

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(0–4 children0–4 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1262 RS2366

LOCATION

الميادين شارع الاربعين, Al Mayadin, Al-Arba’eeb street, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five or six civilians died in airstrikes on Al-Arba’eeb street in Al Mayadin, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, of Russia or the Syrian regime. Step News Agency, Almayadeen, Syrianpc and Radioalkul were among the sources that pointed towards the Coalition. Almayadeen

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1259

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Raqqa according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Ahmad Shibli, Hasaka Rasd and @alhasakaalhadth blamed the Coalition for the victims death. However, according to Baladi, he was killed in a Russia strike. This

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

Arbeen, Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians including four to eight children and between one and two women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in multiple airstrikes on Arbeen in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. While several reports attributed this event to Russia, a number of sources didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(4–8 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2362

LOCATION

الجاير , Al-Jaber/Al-Jayer/Albu Jabir , Raqqa, Syria

Six or seven civilians (six of whom were named by local media) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Jaber, according to sources on the ground. Different reports named the location of the event as either Al-Jaber, Al-Jayer or Albu Jabir, however, it’s Airwars’ understanding that these names all signify the same place, and that the name

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2365

LOCATION

معدان , Ma’dan, Raqqa, Syria

At least two named civilians and as many as dozens more died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ma’dan, according to sources on the ground. Reports said that two families were among those killed, adding that dozens more civilians were wounded in the attack which reportedly struck camps for displaced persons in Ma’dan. Sources named multiple

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2364

LOCATION

الغانم العلي , Al-Ghanem Al-Ali, Raqqa, Syria

Akhbaralaan reported that “Russian aircraft also destroyed the building of the consumer institution in the town of Al-Ghanim Al-Ali”. According to the Step News Agency, “intensive Russian raids targeted the village of Ghanem al-‘Ali in the eastern suburb of Raqqa this morning [July 24th], killing six people and injuring others.”

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1257 RS2361

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumeteya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians from one family died (a father, his son and his daughter) and up to 20 more people were wounded in airstrikes in Shumeteya, according to local sources. No reports pointed directly at the Coalition – though several referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Other sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2360

LOCATION

الخضير , Kudeir, Hama, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians – most of them reportedly from the Al Mahmoud family – died and as many as 30 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kudeir , according to local media. The lowest death count was given by Ahmad Shibli at 10 with dozens more wounded. But most other

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(4 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2359

LOCATION

زور شمر , the town of Ma'dan and the village of Zour Shamr, Raqqa, Syria

Between six and nine civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the town of of Ma’dan and the village of Zour Shamr. According to Baladi, “Local media sources said Sunday [July 23rd] that Russian planes targeted camps for displaced people in the towns of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
19–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

مخيم الجويزات قرب الشريدة, Juweizat camp near Al Sharida, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, multiple local sources reported that between 20 and 40 civilians – including four or five entire families – died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Juweizat refugee camp near Al Sharida. Reports said that the camp was completely burnt as a result of this attack.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 40
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2358

LOCATION

رسم العبد , Rasim Al-Abid, Hama, Syria

Two women died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Rasim Al-Abid, according to sources on the ground.

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1251 RS2357

LOCATION

لصبخاوي, Sabkhawi, Raqqa, Syria

At least two civilians including one child died during a night time airstrike on Sabkhawi, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible. Smart, the Shaam News Network and R.Tahrir.Alsham blamed the Coalition for the strike. However, Baladi, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1243

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

At least 11 people, including children, were killed and a number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’dan in eastern Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Step News Agency alleged that the Coalition had caused the deaths, while an ISIL propaganda video alleged that Russia was to blame. The

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 24
(6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2355

LOCATION

غنيمان, Ghneiman, Homs, Syria

Local media reported an unspecified number of civilian casualties, including children, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ghneiman. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1237 RS2353

LOCATION

قرية الجبلي, Al Jabli, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male and a female were killed following airstrikes in the Al Jabli village in Raqqa governorate. However, it was contested as to who was responsible, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the US-led Coalition. Al Sabkha reported on the “martyrdom of the sister Khadija Yousef Al-Hamoud Al-Akla was resident in her

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident